iFi GO blu Portable HD Bluetooth DAC/amp
Best portable DAC for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity wireless sound on-the-go.
Experience superior sound on the go with the iFi GO blu, a portable HD Bluetooth DAC/amp. Weighing just 26g, it offers ultimate portability without compromising audio quality. It supports a wide range of high-definition Bluetooth codecs, including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC, ensuring your music sounds its best. With separate Bluetooth, DAC, and amplifier stages, it delivers exceptional clarity and power through its 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced outputs. Enjoy up to 10 hours of listening time and enhanced audio with XBass and XSpace features.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 733
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
Chipset
5100
/ Qualcomm QCC Series
Who it's for
- Commuters seeking high-fidelity audio in a compact form factor
- Audiophiles demanding lossless wireless streaming from mobile devices
- Headphone enthusiasts utilizing both balanced and standard cable connections
Who should skip it
- Travelers requiring all-day battery life for long-haul flights
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for entry-level wireless solutions
- Users preferring tactile, dedicated physical buttons for playback control
Performance breakdown
Wireless Fidelity
Broad codec support ensures high-resolution audio streaming without compromise.
Portability
Featherweight design makes it an effortless companion for any mobile setup.
Drive Capability
Balanced output provides ample power for most demanding portable headphones.
Sound Customization
XBass and XSpace modes effectively refine the soundstage and low-end response.
Connectivity Versatility
Seamlessly bridges the gap between wireless convenience and wired audio precision.
Battery Endurance
Reliable for daily commutes, though heavy users may need midday charging.
Key Specs
Chipset
Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
Inputs
Bluetooth 5.1 (AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec), USB-C up to 24/96kHz
Headphone Outputs
4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm UnBAL
Power Output
Balanced: 245mW @ 32Ω; 5.6V @ 600Ω, UnBAL: 165mW @ 32Ω; 2.8V @ 600Ω
Output Impedance
<1Ω (Balanced/UnBAL)
SNR
111dBA (Balanced), 106.5dBA (UnBAL)
DNR
120dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
THD + N
<0.009% (6.5mW/2.0V @ 600Ω) / <0.03% (100mW/1.27V @ 16Ω) (Balanced/UnBAL)
Features
- Ultra-portable design weighing only 26g
- Supports all major high-definition Bluetooth audio formats
- Separate Bluetooth, DAC, and amplifier stages for superior sound
- 10-hour battery life for extended listening
- 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced outputs
- Integrated microphone for calls and voice assistants
- USB-C input for wired audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
- XBass and XSpace sound enhancement features
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iFi GO blu for its exceptional sound quality, transforming portable audio experiences with remarkable clarity and power. Its compact, lightweight design makes it incredibly convenient for on the go listening, easily fitting into any pocket. Users appreciate the robust Bluetooth connectivity and high resolution codec support, ensuring a premium wireless experience. Many consider it an outstanding value, delivering audiophile grade performance in a highly portable package.
Know before you buy
Yes, you can connect the GO blu to your computer via the USB-C port. It functions as a wired DAC supporting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
The GO blu is compatible with almost all major high-definition codecs, including LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, and LHDC/HWA, ensuring high-quality wireless streaming from compatible devices.
The 4.4mm output is a balanced connection that provides more power and better channel separation, which is ideal for demanding headphones. The 3.5mm output is the standard unbalanced connection used by most consumer headphones and earbuds.
XBass adds a subtle, clean boost to the low-end frequencies, while XSpace widens the soundstage to create a more spacious, speaker-like listening experience. Both features are processed in the analog domain to maintain signal purity.
Yes, the device features an integrated microphone, allowing you to take calls or use voice assistants directly through the unit when connected to your smartphone.
With a balanced output of 5.6V at 600Ω, the GO blu is capable of driving many high-impedance headphones effectively. However, it is primarily designed as a portable solution for in-ear monitors and efficient over-ear headphones.
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$199